This year's double Black Eye Friday kicked off last night - but was there trouble on Teesside?

People getting into the Christmas spirit out on Linthorpe Road and Southfield Road celebrate Christmas on Black Eye Friday (Image: Evening Gazette)

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Partygoers were out in full force last night as this year’s double ‘Black Eye Friday’ got under way.

It was expected to be one of the busiest nights of the year for bars and clubs as many workers begin to sign off for the Christmas break .

While no one wants to spoil the festive feeling, emergency services across the town were asking revellers to stay safe and know their limits while getting in the spirit.

And it seems the friendly advice was taken on board as the evening was described as “a normal night” on Teesside.

People getting into the Christmas spirit out on Linthorpe Road and Southfield Road celebrate Christmas on Black Eye Friday (Image: Evening Gazette)

A spokesperson for Cleveland Police today said there was “no significant change in the number of reported incidents to any other weekend.”

With Christmas and the New Year both falling on weekends, some UK workers are set to enjoy an epic seventeen-day festive holiday.

As a consequence, some people wrapped up work for the year yesterday - while others will get to enjoy the second ‘Mad Friday’ on December 23 - the last working day before Christmas.

People getting into the Christmas spirit out on Linthorpe Road and Southfield Road celebrate Christmas on Black Eye Friday (Image: Evening Gazette)

Officers will be out on patrol over the weekend and upcoming bank holidays, including Boxing Day and New Year, and are encouraging people to look after themselves, their property and each other.

They are also urging people to plan their nights out by arranging plans to get home, staying together in groups to avoid being separated from friends, and keeping a close eye on their drinks.

People getting into the Christmas spirit out on Linthorpe Road and Southfield Road celebrate Christmas on Black Eye Friday (Image: Evening Gazette)

Sergeant Paul Higgins, from the Licensing Support Unit, said: “Police and partners want people to enjoy themselves whilst staying safe over the festive period.

“I would encourage people not to overindulge in alcohol too much and to have plans in place for the evening, such as where to meet should someone be separated from the group, make plans to get home in advance such a booking a licensed taxi,and put aside enough money to pay the fare, let someone know what time you will be home and keep a close eye on drinks.

“Many staff from emergency services will be working over the festive period and will be on hand to assist should someone need it, but we ask that the people of Cleveland help us to keep them as safe as we possibly can.”